The sweeping staircases and stately elegance of the historic Old Capitol make the ideal backdrop for a picture-perfect wedding. Located in the heart of Iowa City, the building served as the state of Iowa's first capitol and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Midwest.
Pop-up
Perfect for small weddings with all the glamour and none of the fuss. Our pop-up option may be the right fit if you have a smaller guest list.
Full Ceremony
Our grand offering, this option gives couples the most time and access to our incredible space along with all the perks of our staff and equipment.
Reception
Now smaller weddings can arrange for a reception, utilizing all three floors of our historic building. This is a great option for a one venue celebration.
Which option is right for you?
Pop-up ceremonies are incredibly popular with our clients who have a small to medium sized guest list and are looking for a fast and fuss-free option.
The Old Capitol Museum is an excellent venue for your pop-up ceremony. These weddings typically take place in our beautiful Senate Chamber, home to our famous chandelier which features 1,000 crystal pendants and balls including 750 prisms. With this option, clients are also able to choose other rooms and spaces for their ceremony that wouldn't be suitable for larger groups. Use this list to learn more about the offering:
- Pop-up Ceremony
- For groups of 50 people or less (pricing starts at 10 guests)
- 1.5 hrs of building and staff access from start to finish: set-up, ceremony, photos, clean-up
- Clients who reserve both a pop-up wedding and a reception only pay $1000 for the reception rather than the full fee listed.
- What's included:
- Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
- Onsite staffing to assist with hosting
- Private access to one room for the ceremony
- Access to all three floors for photography
- Chairs (historic Black Walnut chairs in the Senate Chamber, banquet chairs provided in other rooms if needed)
- Access to the 1878 Steinway grand piano (Senate Chamber only)
- A/V support (Senate Chamber only)
- What's not included:
- Additional private rooms for the wedding party
- Staff time, support, or guaranteed building access outside of the 2.5 hour, start to finish reservation. This includes rehearsal time, photo shoots, early set up, or late tear down.
- Reception
- Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.
Love with a "capitol" L. The full ceremony option is perfect for the big wedding you always dreamed of, with all the support you'll need to make sure your special day is easy and memorable.
The Old Capitol Museum is an excellent venue for your ceremony. Weddings take place in our beautiful Senate Chamber, home to our famous chandelier which features 1,000 crystal pendants and balls including 750 prisms. This package includes full staff support, extra access to the building, a rehearsal, and many extra perks. Use this list to learn more about the offering:
- Full Ceremony
- For groups of more than 50 people (max capacity 165)
- 1.5 hrs of building access and staff support for a rehearsal
- 3 hrs of building access and staff support the day of the event: first look, ceremony, photos
- Clients who reserve both a ceremony and a reception only pay $1000 for the reception rather than the full fee listed, however we can only accommodate up to 75 guests for a reception. Please discuss options with our Events & Operations Coordinator.
- What's included:
- Personalized, full-service consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
- Onsite staffing to assist with hosting, set up, tear down, cleanup, and more.
- Tour trained staff available to provide experiential interactions throughout the museum with guests if desired.
- Private access to the Senate Chamber for the ceremony:
- A/V support including a hearing loop, microphones for the officiant or readers, and speakers for music.
- Music stand or podium
- Access to the 1878 Steinway grand piano
- 165 historic Black Walnut chairs
- In-room elevator
- Private access to the House Chamber for the wedding party before and after the ceremony
- Guest access to all three floors before and after the ceremony, with special Rotunda space for gathering.
- Access to all three floors and grounds for photography
- Special photo ops including a marriage license signing in the restored Governor's Office and a coordinated receiving line on the stunning west terrace.
- Full access to our complete onsite equipment list (see FAQ page for full list)
- What's not included:
- Reception or catering
- Guaranteed building access outside of your arrangements with the Events & Operations Coordinator.
- Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.
Continue the celebration by adding a reception to your pop-up ceremony here, or joining us after your offsite ceremony.
The Old Capitol Museum is happy to host your wedding reception. Receptions are often held in our beautiful Rotunda spaces, surrounding our unique, spiral staircase. Guests can mingle and move around cocktail rounds and explore exhibit rooms during the event. Use this list to learn more about the offering:
- Receptions:
- For groups of 75 people or less
- Available as an add-on for couples who have booked a pop-up ceremony or groups looking to celebrate after their offsite ceremony.
- Clients who reserve both a pop-up wedding and a reception only pay $1000 for the reception rather than the full fee listed.
- Not available as an add on for full ceremony clients due to capacity restriction.
- What's included:
- Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
- Onsite staffing to assist with hosting, set up, and clean up.
- Additional exhibit rooms available for food buffets, bar, and desserts.
- Access to the entire building for your private, after-hours event. Additionally, our staff are tour trained and can provide experiential interactions throughout the museum with guests if desired.
- 12 6 ft folding tables
- 12 cocktail rounds
- Banquet chairs
- Small dance floor
- Storage space for up to one week so clients don't have to worry about packing up on their special day.
- What's not included:
- Catering for all events is a separate cost and must be arranged through our only food and alcohol approved vendor, University Catering.
- Clients must arrange for their own music or DJ. We are happy to work with anyone you contract whose equipment can fit safely and comfortably in the space.
- Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Our staff are happy to work with florists and provide some assistance with set-up. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.
Fees & Billing: Rental fees can vary according to the level of service and the time of day your event takes place. Special arrangements can be made with our Events & Operations Coordinator. Here, we list some traditional packages:
| Wedding PackageS | Guests | Rehearsal | length | Cost | Price per extra guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up | 2-10 | — | 1.5 hrs | $250 | $10 (max 50 guests total) |
| Ceremony | 165 | 1.5 hr | 3 hrs | $2,500 | — |
| Reception | 165 | — | 4 hrs | $1,250 | — |
| Ceremony & Reception | 165 | — | 6 hrs | $3,550 | — |
